Migration and Estuarine Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) Change along Ghana’s Coast

Abstract

Estuaries are among the world’s most biologically productive ecosystems and have since generations attracted migrants due to their high biodiversity, natural beauty, and source of livelihood. Growing coastal populations and immigration have led to the deterioration of many coastal ecosystems globally. Overfishing, habitat fragmentation, and degradation have significantly compromised these estuaries’ natural environments and subsequently affected their ability to serve as breeding grounds for aquatic organisms. Thus, understanding landscape patterns, changes, and human–nature​ interactions is critical for long-term monitoring of estuarine ecosystems. This study analysed changes in three major river estuaries (Pra, Ankobra and the Volta Rivers) in Ghana using Landsat satellite data from 1986 to 2020 and population data. The results revealed that coastal flooding and erosion had changed the area of bare land/settlements in both Pra Estuary (−13.7%) and Ankobra Estuary (−18.8%) into water areas, respectively. Likewise, anthropogenic activities resulted in a 12.6% loss in vegetation in the Ankobra Estuary and 42.8% in the Volta Estuary. However, mangrove reforestation interventions at the Pra Estuary increased the vegetation area (10.8%). These observed LULC changes in these areas explain the effect of migration and its impact on long-term resource management and the survival of estuarine communities. Associated with the increased population (immigration) of estuarine communities are mangrove destruction, sand mining, and indiscriminate waste disposal activities, driving the degradation of the estuaries. Consequently, migrant, and local community interests should be harnessed to avoid undesirable LULC dynamics. Thus, an integrated approach to the management of the coastal zone and associated wetlands are paramount for the sustainability of the environment and local livelihoods.